Yesterday you heard all about Nakivale Secondary School and the headmaster’s dream of converting an old field into a model recreation sporting center. Today we focused on one part of that dream – fixing up a track for the running club.
Many students run at the school, but until now have had to guess at distances, running through weeds and among other games in the same field. “It’s hard” one student says of their former running space. “The ground is uneven and hurts our feet.”
So today we cleared thistles and grass from the designated track area and marked out six running lanes. Students and teachers alike were eager to create dedicated space for running. Once the chalk lines had been painted, the students lined up at one end, behind coaches with new whistles and stopwatches. Heat after heat exploded at the starting line to run 100 meters down the track, legs flying, feet churning through the newly cut grass.
“I like to run” one student exclaimed. “This is a good place to practice.” The other students agreed. While spectators gathered on the hill and cheered, many runners came back to run again and again in their new space.
Frank is a teacher at Nakivale Secondary School who had the idea of the track, to benefit not only students at the school but the community too. “We needed a good place for the runners to train” he said. “And I know there are other running groups in Nakivale who need a place to practice.” Ali, the headmaster, agreed. “This will be good for the whole community.”
For making the Nakivale running idea a reality, a big thanks to Olivia H, Peggy Haskell, Elissa Sutton, Minneapolis Bikram Yoga College of India, SweatShop Health Club, Jachin Rutt, Mill City Running, and anonymous supporters!
